Fluoxetine hydrochloride What is Prozac?
Prozac is an (Selective serotonin re uptake inhibitor) 'feel good', drug. It was first manufactured by the Eli Lilly drug company in America in 1987 and is now commonly prescribed by doctors in this country for depression. Its chemical name is fluoxetine hydrochloride.
Prozac usually comes in pill form. It is also being prescribed by doctors to help people who have become dependent on cocaine and crack and heroin. There is also some evidence of the beginnings of Prozac use in combination with drugs such as anoThe fact that it is relatively easily obtained from doctors means that there is, as yet, little illegal trade in Prozac.
UK Situation
By 1992 over 500,000 people in the UK and over 11 million in America had been prescribed Prozac. Currently, over 3 million prescritions of the drugs are made every year in the UK. Some of these people claim it has totally changed their lives for the better. They feel a lot happier, more assertive and in control of their lives. Other people say Prozac has done nothing much for them and a few claim it has made their lives worse.
The jury is still out on Prozac and more research is needed to find out why some people seem to greatly benefit from its use whilst other people do not. There have been many previous claims about wonder drugs that are supposed to bring great benefits with few side effects. Heroin and tranquillisers were both seen in this way when they were first introduced but over time more and more problems became associated with their use.
Prozac is a Prescription Only drug under thebut not controlled under the It is not an offence to be in possession of Prozac without a prescription but it is an offence to supply it (including giving it away free) to other people.
Effects/ risks
Prozac is usually prescribed to be taken daily over a period of months; it takes 2 to 3 weeks for the drug to start working.
The most common side effects of taking Prozac are insomnia, headaches, nausea, a dry mouth, feeling jittery and decreased interest in sex. Other possible side effects include skin rashes and loss of co-ordination. It is not recommended for people who have liver or kidney problems or epilepsy or for pregnant or breast feeding women.
can occur if the user stops the drug abruptly, causing things like balance problems, nausea, electric shock sensations, vivid dreams, nervousness and flu-like symptoms.
There are no recorded overdoses associated with Prozac use by itself. However, taking Prozac with some other anti-depressant medical drugs can cause very high blood pressure, vomiting and shock and has led to some people being hospitalised.
There is an intense debate about the mood altering effects of taking Prozac. Some users and doctors see Prozac as a wonder drug that has totally transformed people's lives for the better. Many users, especially in America, have found the drug has helped them quickly move from depression to a much happier state of mind and enabled them to gain in confidence and make major life changes.
Other people have had very different experiences of Prozac. Some give up quickly because of side effects. Others say it has little impact on their state of mind. More worrying have been reports of patients committing suicide, acting in violent ways and becoming over excited and agitated. The limited research available suggest that this is more likely where patients are given very high doses and/ or have a long history of serious mental illness.
Other Sources of information Local organisations that offer Local organisations who offer treatment,
advice, information & support for people
SMART- Substance Misuse Alcohol Concern Steven James Project BAT – Bournemouth Assessment FRANK-0800 77 66 00 Tom Smith Counselling YADAS – Tel 01202 741414 NTA –79721999 EDP –Tel: 01392 666710- email CADAS - Community Alcohol and Drug Advisory ShADOWS – Tel 01258 488486 ADDACTION – Tel; 01202 558855 CRI –Tel:01202 203101 - SPS - Specialist Prevention SHARP – Tel:08451234130 YADAS – Tel 01202 741414 ShADOWS – Tel 01258 488486
ADDACTION – Tel; 01202 558855
SPS - Tel: 01305 228200
Contact us: Help lines 01202 733322/311600 (Weekdays 8.30am to 4.30pm, 24-hour answer phone) Email: [email protected] EDAS Head Office - 2 West Hill Road, Bournemouth, Dorset BH2 5PG Statement Our information and research is designed to help you make informed choices about the services that we provide. From time to time, for illustrative purposes, we may make reference to commonly available products (such as relaxation CDs and popular self-help books). We do not endorse or advertise the use of any specific product. Disclaimer: While we make every effort to use up-to-date and reliable sources, we cannot accept liability for errors in the sources that we use and also cannot guarantee to find all the information relevant to your enquiry or request. All responsibility for interpretation of and action upon that information rests with you. This information and advice is offered on the understanding that if you intend to support your treatment with complementary or alternative approaches then it is advisable to consult your GP to ensure that they have a complete understanding of your situation and the complementary or alternative approach that you are considering. ID: ED-DS-18112011v2 Literature search completed: Drugscope - October 2012 Sheet published: October 2012 Review Date: October 2013
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